Witkoff: Optimistic About the Possibility of a Swap Deal in Gaza

SadaNews - U.S. President’s envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, expressed his optimism this Sunday evening, July 6, 2025, about the possibility of reaching a swap deal in the Gaza Strip.

According to what was reported by Yedioth Ahronoth, Witkoff expressed hope that Israel would end the war, indicating that there is significant momentum in the negotiations that are moving in the right direction.

The newspaper quoted sources stating that Witkoff praised Qatar's role in the ceasefire negotiations.

Witkoff said: "Lebanon and Syria may join the Abraham Accords, and I do not rule out Qatar doing so as well."

He added: "A normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia may take time, and I am not confident that it will be part of the Abraham Accords. However, it is possible to reach an agreement with Iran that deprives it of its uranium enrichment capabilities."

Doha is hosting a new round of negotiations to discuss mechanisms for implementing a potential ceasefire agreement in Gaza. According to informed Palestinian sources, Hamas is focusing on ways to ensure an Israeli withdrawal from the sector, improving aid entry through international organizations, lifting the blockade, and reconstruction, in addition to opening the Rafah crossing for individuals and aid. The Hamas negotiation delegation is led by Political Bureau member Khalil al-Hayya.